The stretch of I-95, which runs through Miami, Florida, is one of the most high-traffic congestion roads in the nation, with an average daily traffic of about 339,500 vehicles. No wonder there are so many commercial truck accidents in Miami.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a commercial truck, learning about the underlying causes of these accidents can help you understand how to seek justice. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Common?
Operating a large commercial vehicle requires focus and concentration. Even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to a catastrophic accident. Unfortunately, the other vehicle often bears the brunt of the damage due to the size and weight mismatch.
Here are a few underlying factors that can cause or contribute to accidents caused by trucks.
Driver Fatigue
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 13% of truck drivers were fatigued at the time of their accidents. Most commercial truck drivers are working under a time crunch. They have to cover hundreds of miles per day and meet tight delivery deadlines. This can also lead to driver fatigue.
The FMCSA has strict hours of service limits for commercial drivers, which are meant to discourage truckers from operating their vehicles while fatigued. Unfortunately, some drivers (or their employers) will bend the rules to meet delivery deadlines. If a driver exceeds their weekly work limit, fatigue can set in and lead to a crash.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a temptation for everyone due to the amount of technology that is built into modern vehicles. Truckers are not exempt from this trend, as their vehicles are loaded with technology such as:
- GPS devices
- Electronic logging devices
- Wireless Bluetooth headsets
If a truck driver gets distracted while hauling a heavy load, they might not see a hazard in time to stop safely. Any distractions can increase the risk of a truck accident and lead to significant injuries.
Improper Loading
Truck drivers are not the only parties who cause commercial vehicle accidents. For example, the company that loads the trailer could create a hazard by overloading it or unevenly distributing the cargo.
An experienced Miami truck accident lawyer can identify all involved parties in order to hold them accountable. In addition to the driver, the company that employs them, the loaders, or the maintenance provider could share fault for the crash.
Brake Failures
Commercial vehicles haul trailers that weigh tens of thousands of pounds. If their brakes are not in good working condition, it can result in a catastrophic accident.
Defective equipment can be tough to prove, especially if the truck suffers severe damage in a crash. Therefore, your attorney may enlist the services of a traffic accident reconstruction expert to determine whether equipment failure played a role.
What to Do After a Commercial Truck Crash
If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck crash, take the following steps.
Seek Medical Treatment
Commercial vehicles are much larger and heavier than passenger cars. This size and weight disparity can increase your risk of suffering serious injuries. With that in mind, step one involves calling 911 and asking for medical treatment.
Your well-being and that of your passengers always comes first. If you are able, get out of the vehicle and move to a safe location while you wait for help to arrive. This is especially important if you smell gas or suspect a fuel leak. Vehicle fires can be deadly.
Document Everything
While you wait for EMS and law enforcement to arrive at the scene, document anything you can. Take photographs of your vehicle and the semitruck. You should also take photographs of any other evidence, such as debris, downed traffic signs, or poor road conditions.
If anyone saw the crash, ask for their contact information. You will need to pass their name and phone number to your attorney so that they can follow up.
Talk to an Attorney
Once you’ve addressed your immediate needs, it’s time to seek justice for what you endured. Schedule a free consultation with a Miami truck accident lawyer to find out your next steps. During the consultation, you can discuss everything about the crash, from the extent of your injuries to what to expect during the legal process.
How to Find an Experienced Miami Truck Accident Lawyer
When looking for an attorney, prioritize lawyers who:
- Work in your area
- Are familiar with Miami and surrounding cities
- Have experience with commercial truck cases
- Communicate clearly and with empathy
While no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, it is nice to know that your lawyer has achieved positive outcomes for other clients. Take a look at their results to get a better sense of their negotiating skills.
Schrier Law Group has recovered numerous seven-figure settlements for car and truck accident victims, including $2 million for a Broward County man who was rear-ended by a commercial truck driver. We tap into our experience and track record of success when negotiating with insurance companies and building a case strategy on your behalf.
What to Expect During Your Truck Accident Case
The first step to recovering compensation involves consulting with an attorney. Once you choose a lawyer to represent you, they will begin gathering evidence and talking to any available witnesses.
The next step involves negotiating with the at-fault party — or, more likely, their insurance company. The goal is to settle your case quickly so that you can access the resources you need to recover. Unfortunately, some insurance companies don’t come to the negotiating table in good faith.
If the other party won’t offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial. During this phase, your lawyer will present their arguments to a judge or jury, who will decide whether you deserve compensation and how much.
How a Miami Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
The experienced personal injury team at Schrier Law Group is ready to fight for your rights and negotiate with insurers on your behalf for fair and full compensation after truck accidents. Contact Schrier Law Group to schedule a free consultation.
